Working to Develop New Neuropathy Medications

About two-thirds of people with diabetes have neuropathy, a complication affecting the nerves that may cause pain in the arms, legs, hands, and feet and alter people's sensitivity to pain. Currently, there are few options for pain treatment. Now, a study may pave the way for a new class of neuropathy medications based on a substance called methylglyoxyl, which is involved in the breakdown of glucose in the body. The researchers found that methylglyoxyl promotes sensitivity to pain in mice. They also discovered that methylglyoxyl is more plentiful in people with diabetes than those without the disease. Blocking the action of methylglyoxyl in the body, through novel drugs, may someday provide relief for people with diabetes and neuropathy.Source: Nature Medicine, published online May 13, 2012